Union Territories of India

India’s Union Territories, governed directly by the Central Government, are a key part of the nation’s federal structure. As of 2023, there are 8 Union Territories in India, each showcasing unique cultures and landscapes. These include the historically rich Puducherry, the strategically important Jammu and Kashmir, and the serene Lakshadweep.

This overview gets into the Union Territories of India and their capitals, exploring their distinctive identities, governance, and cultural significance. From the tranquil Ladakh to the vibrant Chandigarh, each territory contributes uniquely to India’s diversity. We’ll also highlight the latest updates, presenting the current list of Union Territories in India for 2023.

History of Union Territories of India

The Union Territories of India have undergone significant changes over the years, each with a unique history that has shaped their current status. Originally, after India’s independence in 1947, there were a few centrally administered areas. However, the concept of Union Territories was formally recognized in the Constitution of India.

Over the decades, the number and nature of these territories have evolved. For instance, the original list has seen additions and subtractions, leading to the current count of 8 Union Territories as of 2023. Key events in this evolution include the reorganization of states on linguistic lines, which affected the status of several regions.

Some territories have been merged, while others were elevated to statehood, like Himachal Pradesh and Manipur. More recently, in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir, a state, was reconstituted into two separate Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, reflecting the dynamic nature of India’s political landscape.

Union Territories of India 2023

8 Union Territories of India

As of 2023, India comprises 8 Union Territories, each distinct in its cultural, geographical, and administrative characteristics. These territories, though smaller than states, are significant in the country’s governance and cultural mosaic. The list of all union territories of India includes:

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Known for their pristine beaches and rich marine life.
2. Chandigarh: The well-planned city that serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: Renowned for their Portuguese colonial heritage.
4. Lakshadweep: An archipelago known for its exotic coral islands.
5. Delhi: The national capital, blending historical richness with modernity.
6. Puducherry: Famous for its French colonial past and serene beaches.
7. Ladakh: Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and Buddhist monasteries.
8. Jammu and Kashmir: A region known for its stunning natural beauty and strategic importance.

Also Check: Culture of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

9 Union Territories of India – 2020

India, as of recent years,had 9 union territories. This occurred after the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate union territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh – on October 31, 2019. However, this number was reduced back to 8 when Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu were merged into a single union territory on January 26, 2020. However, it’s important to note that as of 2023, this number has been updated to 8 Union Territories. The change occurred due to the merger of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu into a single Union Territory in January 2020.

Previously, the list of 9 Union Territories of India which are former union territories included:

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Chandigarh
3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli
4. Daman and Diu
5. Delhi (National Capital Territory of Delhi)
6. Lakshadweep
7. Puducherry
8. Jammu and Kashmir
9. Ladakh

Also Check: Most Populated States In India

7 Union Territories of India – 2019

As of 2023, India is home to 8 Union Territories, not 7. This increase from the previously listed 7 Union Territories occurred due to the reorganization of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate Union Territories in 2019:

List of Union Territories in India in 2019

1. Delhi
2. Puducherry
3. Chandigarh
4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
5. Daman and Diu
6. Dadra and Nagar Haveli
7. Lakshadweep

Also Read: Map of India

Union Territories of India Map

Current Union Territories of India Include, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry

Largest Union Territory of India

The largest Union Territory of India in terms of area is Ladakh. Established in 2019, after the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh spans a vast and rugged terrain in the northern part of India. Known for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, Ladakh is a region of high-altitude plateaus and remote mountain valleys.

Ladakh’s significant area covers a large part of the eastern Kashmir region, including the famous Leh and Kargil districts. Despite its large size, Ladakh is sparsely populated, owing to its challenging terrain and harsh climatic conditions.

Smallest Union Territory of India

The title of the smallest Union Territory of India is held by Lakshadweep. This group of islands, situated off the southwestern coast of India in the Arabian Sea, encompasses a total area of just 32 square kilometers. Despite its small size, Lakshadweep is renowned for its stunning coral atolls, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life.

Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands, but only a few of these are inhabited. The small area and limited population of this Union Territory make it unique in terms of its ecological balance and cultural distinctiveness.

Union Territories of India in Hindi

Here are union territories of India name in Hindi

• दिल्ली
• पुडुचेरी
• चंडीगढ़
• अंडमान और निकोबार द्वीपसमूह
• दमन और दीव
• दादरा और नगर हवेली
• लक्षद्वीप
• जम्मू और कश्मीर
• लद्दाख

All States and Union Territories of India

9 Union Territories of India and Their Capitals

Union Territories of India

Chandigarh – Union Territory of India

• Location: Northern India; capital for Punjab and Haryana.
• Status: Union Territory, centrally administered.
• Founder: Designed by French architect Le Corbusier.
• Features: Renowned for architecture and urban planning.
• Landmarks: Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Open Hand Monument.
• Environment: Known for green spaces and parks.
• Education: Home to Panjab University and PGIMER.
• Economy: Thriving in IT, trade, and services.
• Culture: Mix of modernity and traditional influences.
• Living: High quality of life, clean, and well-planned.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Union Territory of India

• Location: Group of islands in the Bay of Bengal.
• Features: Known for pristine beaches, coral reefs, and unique wildlife.
• Economy: Tourism, fisheries, and agriculture.
• Environment: Rich in biodiversity, tropical rainforests.
• Culture: Home to indigenous tribes; a mix of South and Southeast Asian cultures.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu – Union Territory of India

• Location: Between Maharashtra, Gujarat, and the Arabian Sea.
• Features: Known for Portuguese colonial heritage and beaches.
• Economy: Manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture.
• Culture: Blend of tribal, Gujarati, and Portuguese influences.

Delhi (National Capital Territory of Delhi) – Union Territory of India

• Capital: New Delhi, also the capital of India.
• Features: Historical landmarks, vibrant culture, political center.
• Economy: Diverse, including government services, IT, and tourism.
• Culture: Melting pot of various Indian cultures and cuisines.

Lakshadweep – Union Territory of India

• Location: Archipelago off the Kerala coast in the Arabian Sea.
• Features: Coral atolls, sandy beaches, rich marine life.
• Economy: Fishing, coconut cultivation, and tourism.
• Culture: Predominantly Muslim population; unique island culture.

Puducherry – Union Territory of India

• Location: Along the Tamil Nadu coast and includes enclaves in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.
• Features: French colonial legacy, beaches, spiritual centers.
• Economy: Tourism, textiles, and fishing.
• Culture: Blend of French and Tamil influences.

Jammu and Kashmir – Union Territory of India

• Capital: Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter).
• Features: Mountainous terrain, famous for Dal Lake, Mughal gardens.
• Economy: Tourism, handicrafts, agriculture.
• Culture: Diverse with influences from Central Asia and South Asia.

Ladakh – Union Territory of India

• Capital: Leh.
• Features: High-altitude desert, Buddhist monasteries, unique landscape.
• Economy: Tourism, agriculture, handicrafts.
• Culture: Predominantly Buddhist; Tibetan cultural influences.

FAQs on Union Territories of India

Are there 8 or 9 union territories in 2024?

As of 2024, India has 8 union territories. These are: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puducherry, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

What is the newest UT of India?

The newest Union Territories of India are Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Both were formed in 2019 after the bifurcation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Does India have 28 states and 8 UT?

No, as of 2023, India has 28 states and 9 Union Territories. The increase to 9 Union Territories occurred after the state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized in 2019.

What are the union territories of India?

The Union Territories of India are Delhi, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

How many union territories of India are there?

There are 9 Union Territories in India as of 2023. These were increased from 8 after the state of Jammu and Kashmir was divided into two Union Territories in 2019.

What were the 9 union territories of India?

The 9 union territories of India were: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puducherry, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. This configuration existed briefly after the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, on October 31, 2019. However, this number was reduced back to 8 when Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu were merged into a single union territory on January 26, 2020.